Local soccer standout to play for Division I Nevada

WASILLA — It was nearly two years in the making, but on Wednesday Alexis Friesen had the opportunity to make it official.

The Mat-Su Career and Technical High School senior and Valley girls’ soccer standout signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Nevada- Reno and play soccer for the Division I Wolf Pack. Friesen, a local star on both the prep and club level, verbally committed to Nevada following her sophomore year. At the club level, Friesen plays for the Valley Revolution and Crossfire United, an Oregon-based team in the Elite Clubs National League. Friesen said the Nevada coaching staff initially saw her play with the Crossfire program.

“After visiting Nevada, seeing the coaches, it just felt right,” Friesen said during her signing ceremony at the Menard Center in Wasilla. “I connected with the coaches right away.”

Friesen said the chance to play outside Alaska played a big role in the opportunity to sign with a Division I school.

“It’s a big deal. I’m blessed to be able to do that because of the exposure,” Friesen said.

She also thanked those in Alaska who helped her reach her goals.

“The coaches in Alaska helped me to get to that point in my life. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Friesen said.

Friesen said she grew up on the soccer field, and playing at the Division I level has long been her ultimate goal.

On the high school level, Friesen is a three-year starter who helped lead the Wasilla Warriors to the ASAA Division I title game her junior year.

“Since her first game as a freshman, she’s been one of the toughest, most competitive players on the field, almost every game that she’s played in,” Wasilla girls’ soccer head coach Patrick O’Neill said. “She has that drive and intensity you can’t coach.”

O’Neill said he was excited to see Friesen achieve a longtime goal.

“She set a goal, and has worked so hard in the classroom and on the field with her club team. I’ve been fortunate enough to have her for 60-plus games,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill said there are a variety of attributes that make Friesen special.

“Her technical skill is evident when you watch her play,” O’Neill said. “Her tactical ability, her knowledge of the game is evident. But the one thing about Alexis is her competitiveness and her toughness that sets her apart.”

Friesen’s ceremony was hosted by the Valley Revolution soccer club. Friesen is the first member of Valley Revolution to earn the chance to play Division I soccer.

Contact Frontiersman editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.